Just before 5 p.m., investigators said, Barnard started a fire to burn beer boxes in her backyard then went inside, leaving the fire unattended. The fire quickly spread to a wooded area next to her property and burned 5 acres, deputies said.

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than five hours before the flames were contained.

Deputies said they also helped evacuate a child care center during the wildfire.

“Only a fool would burn beer boxes or any trash, for that matter, during a burn ban. Barnard’s actions were reckless and placed lives and property in danger. While the brush fire may have been unintentional, her carelessness could have killed someone," said Sheriff Gator DeLoach.